During
the original design phase of SpiritWars, research with prospective
players rated the trading of spirits (playing pieces) as a key
feature.
This was further supported during the long beta-test
process for the free version of the game.
The single feature that
seemed to excite most players was the prospect of trading spirits when
the member version was completed.
Upon release of the member
version of the game, however, we found a growing consensus by the vast
majority of players that this feature created more playing problems and
contributed heavily to an uncompetitive playing environment.
In response to this situation, we introduced what is now known as the
"Pro" version of SpiritWars.
(This entire discussion is
relevant only to the member version of the game.
There is
no ownership of playing pieces in the free version of the
game.) The Pro version works exactly like the original release of
the member version, with one major exception: players can not
trade spirits.
Population changes occur only as the result of game
play (Fatalities and Victory Migrations) and the normal
"activity" migrations (both positive and negative).
For those players who enjoyed the trading aspect of the game, we have
retained that feature - but limited it to special "trading"
accounts, and even created a separate chat room for players using that
version of the game.
A new player account automatically is generated with the standard pro
playing account, and any play who desires can request an additional
trading account to be established for them.
(In effect, players
now get two playing options - and membership accounts - for the price of
one.)
Why
Did We Make This Change?
In spite
of the anticipation to the trading feature, when the member version was
released, I began to get a very strong and steady message from our most
experienced players.
Many of
these people had been playing the game during the year-long beta process
that preceded the game's release. The consensus was that the
game was actually a lot more fun to play before we introduced
trading than after.
The whole "fair and level" playing field has been a constant
theme throughout my design and development of SpiritWars.
It
quickly became apparent that trading introduced so many variables and
wild-cards that simply impossible to adequately manage.
Even with
a variety of checks and balances in place to maintain fair play, we also
found many people willing to spend extra money in order to manipulate
multiple accounts.
These behavior patterns also evolved quickly
into a variety of negative factors in the playing community.
None of us anticipated the fact that losing on purpose,
playing with trash dungeons, throwing games or making no real effort to
win, would become such a common-place activity.
It is true that the Pro version of the game is a step backwards that
removed a "key" feature in the game.
However, it was
apparent that this was a move that was supported strongly by the vast
majority of our playing community.
As always, SpiritWars will continue to evolve and grow - sometimes in
unpredictable directions - with an unprecedented opportunity to allow
the members of our community to have an active role in the shaping of
the future.
How
It Works?
The
concept is very simple.
There is no trading in the "Pro"
version.
A "Pro" account will get a standard starter population
of 200 spirits. Activity Migrations will help get the population up to a
minimal level (and help maintain a minimum base population) but in the
long-run, the only way you are going to get new spirits is to win them
in Victory Migrations.
Pro and regular player accounts will not be able to play one
another.
When you are logged on using your pro account, you will
only be able to play other pro players.
There is no advantage EVER to be gained in losing on purpose.
If
you don't plan on playing every game to win, no matter the mix of
spirits available to you, please don't both signing up for the Pro
version.
Even though there is no advantage to be gained from a losing-on-purpose
strategy, anyone attempting to do this will find their Pro account
deactivated.
Is
The Pro Version Harder?
Yes.
If you are easily frustrated, you are probably going to dislike the
pro version.
If your best pieces are in one color and your energy
is another color, you are going to have to improvise. Play what
you
have; and do the best you can with the spirits you have.
If you are one of those players convinced that the key to success is
having the right combination of pieces, you're going to be
unhappy.
Without trading, you'll seldom have the luxury of picking
the color you play or the pieces you have available.
Yes, there will be a few lucky people who will get lucky and get strong
starting populations; and some unlucky ones who get a weak mix of
initial spirits.
When trading is removed from the mix, however, I
know that the over-all balancing features of the game will ensure that
talent will prevail over time.
Is that fair? In the long-run, yes.
Over time, the pro
version will prove to be a more competitive and balanced played
world.
In the short term, no it probably won't always be
fair.
But then, that's your basic life.
Some days you eat
the bear and other days the bear eats you.
Life with it.
-- Randy
Chase --
SpiritWars is a registered trademark of Kellogg Creek Software.